Sometimes finding electronic parts online isn’t as easy as it should be. If you’ve been struggling to find exactly what you’re looking for, you’re not alone. While the internet gives you a huge range of products to choose from, this can sometimes be overwhelming when you’re trying to find the best deal.
This blog will help businesses who are fed up with endless scrolling and going backward and forwards between options. Sometimes all you need is a little push in the right direction, so here are a few things you can do to make your search a bit easier:
Tips for looking for electronic parts online
Use tools
If you’ve found a distributor you like the look of but are finding it hard to lock in on the components you want to buy, make sure you’re accepting a little help from technology where possible. Sourcengine’s innovative BOM tool makes processing a bill of materials much easier. It comes with easy-to-use filters that allow you to sort quotes, delivery dates and manufacturers into an order that suits your needs. You’ll be able to review hundreds of components and find the one that’s best for you much more efficiently. It’s the perfect tool for anyone who hates making spreadsheets and finds themselves spending hours and hours trying to make sense of prices and pros and cons.
Ask for referrals
For some businesses, the problem lies in finding a supplier they trust. If you like networking or have good relationships with other business owners, you can ask them to refer you to their distributor. This way you can be sure that you’ll receive a high quality of service and the parts you buy will do exactly what you want them to. While online reviews can be helpful, there’s nothing like a personal recommendation to really set your mind at ease.
Join a community
There are lots of communities online that hold discussions about electronic components and suppliers. These are typically places where you can ask questions, get recommendations or even offer advice yourself. Whether you want more information about the quality of components from a particular manufacturer or you’re looking for a rare part, these communities could save you when you’re in a tight spot.
Read blogs
Lots of blogs exist for the sole purpose of reviewing suppliers, manufacturers and different types of electrical components. Most bloggers will strive to give their honest opinion, helping you to make a decision if you’re stuck deciding between multiple options. But you do need to be aware of affiliate links and sponsored posts, as these will be paid for by companies and may not be quite as honest as posts that aren’t adverts.
Trial and error
If you’ve tried all of the above and are still feeling stuck, you might just have to jump in and give something a go. You’ll never know if a solution is right for you until you’ve tried it, so make sure you start small to minimise damage to your business in case it wasn’t the right fit.
